Charcot neuroarthropathy: pathogenesis, diagnosis and medical

Review Article
Charcot neuroarthropathy: pathogenesis,
diagnosis and medical management
Sandro Vella, Mario J. Cachia
Abstract
Introduction
Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a progressive degenerative
arthropathy which rarely complicates diabetes mellitus. Most
commonly, though not exclusively affecting the foot, it seems to
be determined by the interaction of neuropathy, osteopaenia and
proinflammatory cytokines on a calcified peripheral vasculature
that maintains its ability to vasodilate despite widespread
arteriosclerosis. Although often unrecalled, this arthropathy is
probably triggered by trauma. Diagnosis is essentially clinical,
given the paucity and non-specificity of radiological and
biochemical findings at the acute stage. CN should be considered
in the differential diagnosis of any diabetic patient presenting
with a warm swollen lower extremity. Bone turnover markers,
magnetic resonance imaging and radioisotope scanning may be
useful diagnostic aids. Offloading is essential and improves limb
survival. There is considerable interest, though limited data, on
the benefits of bisphosphonates and calcitonin. The possible
roles of ultrasound and radiotherapy need to be assessed in
larger trials. Failure to institute corrective measures at an early
stage results in a foot that is prone to deformity, ulceration,
amputation and loss of function. It is hoped that a better
understanding of the aetiopathogenesis at a cytokine level will
allow the targeting of new effective agents.
First reported in 1831 by the American physician John
Kearsley Mitchell as secondary to tuberculosis induced
spinal damage,1 denervation-induced joint destruction was
described by the French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot in
1868 as a complication of tertiary syphilis.2 This degenerative
neuropathic arthropathy was first associated with diabetes in
1936.3 Indeed, diabetes is thought to be the commonest cause
of CN in the developed world,4,5 although it may also complicate
other diseases associated with peripheral neuropathy such as
leprosy, syringomyelia, following traumatic denervation of a
limb, and as a complication of alcohol abuse. With a reported
incidence of around 0.1-0.5%,6-8 CN in diabetes almost always,
though not exclusively, involves the foot. The midfoot or ankle
joints are the most commonly affected joints. Involvement of
the knee,9 hip,10 spine11 and wrist12 has also been reported. CN
may develop in up to 16% of patients with diabetic neuropathy.13
Both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients appear
to be equally at risk, although the former seem to present at
a slightly earlier age.14 There is no sex predilection. Bilateral
involvement may occur in up to 30%.4 Affected individuals
generally present in the fourth or fifth decades of life, several
years after the onset of diabetes.6,15 CN has been associated with
premature mortality.16
Pathogenesis
Key words
Arthropathy, neuropathy, cytokines,
bisphosphonates, calcitonin
Sandro Vella* MD, MRCP (UK)
Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
Email: drsvella@maltanet.net
Mario J. Cachia MD, FRCP (Lond)
Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
*corresponding author
Malta Medical Journal Volume 20 Issue 03 September 2008
Although the pathogenesis of acute Charcot foot remains
unclear, neuropathy and inflammation are key features. A case
series of 101 subjects with CN confirmed the presence of distal
sensory neuropathy in all patients.6 Charcot himself proposed
the so called ‘French theory’,2 wherein the joint deformity
was attributed to damaged central nervous system centres
that control bone and joint nutrition. Volkman and Virchow
proposed the ‘German theory,’17,18 which suggested that multiple
subclinical traumata in a denervated joint were the initial
precipitating factor.
It is postulated that minor trauma may trigger an
inflammatory cascade through a complex pathway. 19 The
precipitating event is unrecalled in around two thirds of affected
patients.4 CN has also been noted to follow local surgery,
including revascularisation20 and orthopaedic procedures.21
Trauma may lead to microfracture, sublaxation or dislocation.
Abnormal joint loading is potentially further exacerbated by
the neuropathy, such that a partial or complete lack of pain
13
Table 1: Anatomical classification
of Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the foot5
Table 2: Classification of Charcot
neuroarthropathy (CN) of the foot42
Type of CN Joint/s involved
Type of CN Joint/s involved
I
II
III
IV
V
forefoot
midfoot
hindfoot metatarsophalangeal, interphalangeal
tarso-metatarsal
tarsal
sub-talar
calcaneum
leads to continued weight bearing and further joint damage.
Interestingly, both neuropathy and diabetes are associated
with osteopaenia, the link being stronger with T1DM.22,23
Osteopaenia seems to carry a higher risk of microfracture
compared to dislocation.24 However, there is no evidence so far
for a difference in the presentation of CN between T1DM and
T2DM. In a study on a small group of patients presenting with a
hot swollen foot, Rawesh et al. demonstrated that reduced bone
mineral density in the lower limb led to subsequent development
of CN compared to patients with a higher bone mineral density
at baseline.25 It is generally accepted that neuropathy impairs
healing after an incidental traumatic fracture. The altered
integrity of ligaments, possibly compromised in the acute phase
by motor neuropathy,26,27 may account for a predilection for the
involvement of joints dependent on ligamentous mechanical
stability, such as the midtarsal joint.28 Limited mobility of the
first metatarsophalangeal joint and plantar fascia dysfunction
has been associated with mid-foot CN,31 although it is unclear
whether these features precede or follow the onset of the joint
damage.29 Patients with acute CN have been found to have
higher plantar pressures in the metatarsophalangeal joints
when compared to patients with distal sensorimotor neuropathy
or neuropathic ulceration.30 It is postulated that the forefoot
acts as a lever and causes collapse of the midfoot, which is
the commonest site of involvement. Electron microscopy of
the Achilles tendon has shown an increased packing density
of collagen fibrils, decreased fibrillar diameter and abnormal
fibril morphology.31 These changes may lead to shortening of
tendons. The abnormal collagen may predispose to CN in these
patients.31,32
Histological examination of surgical specimens revealed
that osteoclasts significantly outnumber osteoblasts in Charcot
reactive bone. These osteoclasts showed immunoreactivity
for interleukin 1, interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor
alpha (TNF-α).33 The inflammatory cascade is thought to be
triggered by proinflammatory cytokines, principally TNF-α and
interleukin 1 beta, which in turn trigger increased expression
of the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This
transcription factor plays an important part in bone dissolution
by favouring osteoclast activation. An intermediate step in
the activation of NF-κB may involve an increased expression
of a specific transmembrane protein receptor activator called
receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL).34,35 RANKL and
14
metatarsophalangeal, interphalangeal,
tarso-metatarsal, tarsal
ankle, calcaneum
TNF-α appear to be mutually enhancing, such that a vicious
cycle is established.36 Osteoprotegerin, a glycoprotein member
of the tumour necrosis factor family, acts as a decoy receptor
for RANKL, effectively inactivating it when production is
excessive. It is postulated that a coordinated synthesis of
RANKL and osteoprotegerin is crucial in bone remodelling,
allowing an appropriate balance between bone formation
and resorption.37 The RANKL-NF-κB pathway is implicated
in the aetiopathogenesis of arterial wall smooth muscle
calcification.38,39 Vascular calcification (Monckeberg’s sclerosis)
is a prominent feature of diabetic neuropathy and Charcot foot,
being present in up to 90% patients with the latter pathology.6
It is thought that, in the absence of neuropathy, paininduced joint immobilisation halts the above inflammatory
osteolytic process by reducing local blood flow.40 Baseline blood
flow is increased in neuropathic feet as a result of a reduced
peripheral vascular resistance and sympathetic denervation, but
does not increase in response to warming. Charcot feet retain
the capacity to increase vascular flow further, exacerbating the
inflammatory process.
In summary, it is possible that CN is the result of a
precipitating insult on a susceptible individual. The relative
contribution of the above factors may vary between T1DM and
T2DM, and from one patient to another.41
Clinical presentation and diagnosis
CN of the foot may be anatomically classified into five
different types, based on the joints involved5 (Table 1). A
different classification system42 (Table 2) divides CN into
forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot CN. Midfoot43 or type II CN is the
commonest variety. Acute CN of the ankle, hindfoot or midfoot
heals at a slower rate than forefoot arthropathy.44
A high index of suspicion is essential, particularly in
the acute stage. The situation is further complicated by the
absence of a clear working definition of this disease entity.45
Not uncommonly, acute CN is misdiagnosed as cellulitis,
osteomyelitis or an inflammatory arthropathy.6 Deep vein
thrombosis should also be considered in the differential
diagnosis. Avascular necrosis of the navicular bone is less
common, but may show similar features to Charcot foot.46
The diagnosis of acute CN remains predominantly clinical.
Investigations largely help to distinguish the condition from
others that cause pain and swelling of the foot.
Malta Medical Journal Volume 20 Issue 03 September 2008
The affected individual often presents with a swollen
painful foot or lower extremity. Although patients have severe
peripheral neuropathy, pain is the commonest complaint,
followed by discomfort.15,47 On examination, the foot is noted to
be warm, with a temperature difference of over 2ºC compared
to the contralateral side. There may be a clinical joint effusion,
usually non-inflammatory or haemorrhagic, which may
contain mononuclear cells.48 The pedal pulse on the affected
side may be bounding compared to the contralateral lower
limb.49 A significant proportion of patients with acute CN have
a concomitant ulcer, further complicating the diagnosis, and
raising the possibility of osteomyelitis. The acute phase may
take several months to subside, and is followed by a painless
foot, which does not show any temperature difference to the
other side. Continued weight bearing results in a deformed
foot that is prone to ulceration and amputation (Figures 1 and
2). Moreover, the disease process may become reactivated by
further trauma, making the differentiation from osteomyelitis
more difficult.7 Handheld infrared dermal thermometers may
be used to assess skin temperature differences,50 thus allowing
monitoring of healing (associated with ‘foot cooling’) and
recurrence (associated with ‘foot warming’). Laser doppler
shows an increased cutaneous blood flow in CN, differentiating
from peripheral neuropathy.51
Radiographs, largely useful for their anatomical information,
may be normal or show only subtle changes at an early stage.
Once established, bone and joint destruction, fragmentation
and remodelling are evident (Figure 3).52 Any associated
osteomyelitis cannot be distinguished in the presence of severe
bone and joint damage.53 Early magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) appearances are non-specific, and can also be seen
in bone-stressing phenomenon, acute osteomyelitis, reflex
sympathetic dystrophy or sepsis.54 There is significant overlap
of signal intensity from the marrow for infection and oedema.
Established CN is characterised by a low T1 signal from the joint
and a low T2 signal from the marrow.55 Rapid onset CN with a
high bone turnover rate and marked oedema is associated with
a high T2 signal, mimicking osteomyelitis.56 Osteonecrosis
and recent surgery may also give this picture,57 with the signal
remaining high for 3 to 6 months after surgery. The greater
the signal from the marrow on T2 weighted images, the more
likely the bone is infected.58 Gadolinium treatment does not
help differentiating between oedema and infections.59 MRI
is useful for preoperative assessment and to monitor disease
progression. Positron emission tomography (PET) can be used
in the evaluation of CN patients with metal implants that would
compromise the accuracy of MRI. Moreover, PET was also
shown to distinguish between osteomyelitis and CN.60,61
Three-phase 99mTc bisphosphonate bone scans are positive
in all three phases, reflecting the increased bone turnover
characteristic of CN (Figure 4). It is a very sensitive but nondiscriminatory test.58 A four phased bone scan (with a delayed
image at 24 hours) is more specific to detect woven bone but
does not distinguish CN from severe degenerative changes,
fractures and tumours.53 A 111In-labelled leucocyte scan shows
increased activity at the site of an infection, but does not usually
accumulate where there is new bone formation in the absence
of infection.53 However, such a scan may be positive with a
recent-onset, rapidly advancing CN, due to the accumulation
of leucocytes at fracture sites.62 This can be differentiated
by complementary marrow scanning using Tc-nanocolloid
alongside a 111In-labelled leucocyte scan.63 Congruence of both
scans (both positive in the same area) indicates absence of
infection, and points to CN. 53,62
Figure 1: Foot deformity characteristic of established
Charcot foot
Figure 2: Foot deformity characteristic of Charcot
neuroarthropathy
Malta Medical Journal Volume 20 Issue 03 September 2008
15
Occasionally, an increased C-reactive protein may be
observed in acute CN.64 A very high erythrocyte sedimentation
rate favours infection over CN, but is still non-specific. 65
Levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase (a bone formation
marker) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (a bone resorption
marker) were found to be increased in acute CN compared to
non-Charcot diabetic subjects, reflecting ongoing bone turnover
and remodelling.66 Gough et al. found an increase in the bone
resorption marker called pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide domain of type 1 collagen in acute CN.
In contrast, levels of a bone formation marker called carboxyterminal propeptide of type 1 collagen were not increased.67
Jirkovska et al not only confirmed an increase in plasma levels of
pyridinoline cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide domain
of type 1 collagen in acute CN, but also directly correlated it with
calcaneal bone density.68 Levels of cross-linked N telopeptides of
type 1 collagen, a urinary marker of bone resorption, were found
to be elevated in CN patients in a separate study.69
In conclusion, diagnosis of CN, and in particular its
differentiation from osteomyelitis remains difficult. The latter is
particularly challenging in the presence of an ulcer. Some cases
currently diagnosed as having osteomyelitis (particularly of the
forefoot) may in fact be cases of CN.45
Medical management
CN may be defined as a medical emergency, since failure
to act quickly can lead to irreversible consequences.70 Once
established, surgery may be necessary to remove bone
deformities and reduce disability. Techniques include
arthrodesis, exostectomies, reconstruction and Achilles
tendon lengthening.58 Two studies investigating any benefits
of ultrasound are limited by small samples and produced
conflicting results.71,72 Given the non-specific nature of early
presentation, it may be appropriate to treat the diabetic patient
presenting with a warm swollen foot with antibiotics if an
infection cannot be excluded.73
Figure 3: Radiograph showing bone and joint deformities
in Charcot neuroarthropathy of the ankle joint
16
Immobilisation
Diabetic patients with acute ankle CN have been shown
to have a better limb survival if they were treated with a nonweight-bearing protective device, compared to patients who
continued to bear weight.74 While the use of crutches or other
assistive modalities may allow complete non-weight bearing
and are acceptable forms of treatment, three-point gait may
increase the pressure on the contralateral limb, predisposing
it to repetitive stress, ulceration or neuropathic fracture.75
Better alternatives include the use of a total contact cast (TCC)
(made of plaster of Paris or fibreglass), Charcot restraint
orthotic walker, a Scotchcast boot (made of Deltalite plaster),
or pneumatic walking braces.15, 52, 76 Ambulation in a TCC was
shown to result in a mean healing time of 86 days, with the
most rapid healing occurring in forefoot CN.44 Armstrong and
colleagues assessed the efficacy of serial TCC in 55 patients
with acute Charcot foot until quiescence.15 These patients were
allowed unprotected weight bearing using a removable cast
walker when the temperature difference between the affected
foot and the contralateral healthy foot was less than 1ºC for two
consecutive weeks. Prescription footwear was allowed when the
temperature equilibrated within 1ºC for one month. On average,
patients’ feet became quiescent after around 4 months (range 456 weeks). Patients could progress to permanent footwear after
just over 6 months, although some required treatment for up to
12 months. A study by McCrory et al.77 also assessed the role of
Figure 4: Radioisotope scan showing increased ankle
joint and foot uptake in the delayed phase in Charcot
neuroarthropathy
Malta Medical Journal Volume 20 Issue 03 September 2008
casting and foot temperature monitoring in acute CN, observing
that radiographic healing began by 3-6 months, and that this
is correlated with the time the foot began to ‘cool.’ Both studies
confirmed the need for prolonged immobilisation, and that
clinical indicators are required to ascertain the total duration
of avoidance of weight bearing. TCCs need to be changed at
least every 1 to 2 weeks to adjust to limb volume changes as
the oedema decreases.78 There are as yet no published studies
assessing the Scotchcast boot in acute Charcot foot.
An Italian group studied the effect of the oral bisphophonate
Alendronate (70 mg once a week) on 20 patients with acute
painful CN.85 11 patients were randomised to treatment with the
bisphosphonate but all received a TCC for the first 2 months and
a pneumatic walker for the next 4 months, followed by the use
of special shoes. Alendronate treated patients had a significant
reduction of symptoms, a reduction in the levels of the bone
resorption markers hydroxyproline and carboxy-terminal
telopeptide of type 1 collagen, and an improvement in the bone
mineral density of the foot.
Bisphosphonates
There is as yet no pharmacological agent licensed for use
in acute Charcot foot. A number of clinical trials assessing
bisphosphonates in CN suggest clinical benefit. However,
they are limited by the small number of participating patients.
Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogues of inorganic
pyrophosphate that decrease bone resorption by inhibiting
the recruitment and activity of osteoclasts, while stimulating
osteoblastic activity. 79 Bisphosphonates may shorten the
lifespan of osteoclasts and provide pain relief through effects
on prostaglandin E2 and other nociceptive substances. 80
They have also been implicated to interfere with the release
of neuropeptides and neuromodulators from afferent nerve
endings.81,82
In 1994, Selby et al. studied the effect of pamidronate on 6
patients with CN.83 These subjects received an initial infusion
of 60mg followed by a 30mg infusion fortnightly over 12 weeks.
Patients’ symptoms and foot temperatures showed a significant
improvement. Alkaline phosphatase levels fell by about 25% by
the end of the study. Jude et al. carried a randomised doubleblind clinical trial on 39 diabetic patients with active CN, who
were assigned placebo (normal saline) treatment or a 90mg
single intravenous infusion of pamidronate. 47 All patients were
instructed to immobilise the foot and avoid weight bearing. Both
groups had a significant reduction of temperature at 2 weeks.
The pamidronate group had a further reduction at 4 weeks,
but there was no significant difference when comparing to the
placebo group. All throughout the study, the pamidronate group
had a significant reduction in symptoms compared to the placebo
group. Both fasting plasma bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (a
bone formation marker) and second-void early morning urinary
deoxypyridinoline (a bone resorption marker, reported as a
ratio with respect to urinary creatinine) showed a significant
reduction in the pamidronate treated group compared to the
placebo group. The first effect was seen around 4 weeks, and
remained until 12-24 weeks. Levels returned towards baseline
levels 6-12 months after the infusion. Anderson et al.84 reported
significantly greater reductions in temperature (measured after
48 hours and 2 weeks) and alkaline phosphatase (measured
after 2 weeks) among CN patients treated with intravenous
pamidronate compared to standard care alone. However, this
study was not randomised, and there was bias in the treatment
strategy.
Malta Medical Journal Volume 20 Issue 03 September 2008
Calcitonin
Secreted by the C-cells of the thyroid, calcitonin directly
affects osteoclasts and interacts with the RANKL pathway.86
In a recent study, 32 patients were randomised to receive a
combination of intranasal calcitonin (200IU/day) and calcium
supplementation (100mg/day) or calcium supplementation
alone.87 Disease activity improved in both groups but there
was a significant reduction in bone turnover markers in the
calcitonin treated group. In a follow-up study involving 36 acute
CN subjects,88 calcitonin treated patients had significantly faster
healing compared to controls.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of acute CN requires a high index of suspicion.
Larger trials would allow a better elucidation of the benefits,
if any, of bisphosphonates and calcitonin in the acute setting.
A better understanding of the underlying aetiopathogenesis,
particularly of RANKL and osteoprotegerin, may allow
the targeting of new treatment strategies, such as TNF-α
antagonists, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
agents. Relative risks and benefits would need to be carefully
weighed however, especially in those with ulceration of the skin
or other risk of infection. In the meantime, immediate institution
of effective offloading remains crucial.
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